This week was all about design dilemmas. Let’s start with the cabinetry:

I finally purchased my cabinetry for the bar and for the built-in bench in the playroom, but it was not an easy decision. I originally selected Ikea‘s newest finish which is called anthracite. It is a lovely slab door in black that would have been super simple and classic. BUT, since it is so new and Ikea did not anticipate how popular it would be (how could they not?), the stock is super low on everything and I had to move on to something else.

So, I selected the black wood grain finish from the website. It is also a slab door and is black (or so it said). BUT, I got to the store this week after revising my drawings online for what seemed like the 20th time and in store it isn’t called “wood effect black”, it is called “black-brown” and is very clearly a brown finish. GAH! Back to the drawing board again…

At this point I have made far too many trips to Ikea, revised my drawing one too many times and have diagnosed myself with “Design Paralysis”: When there are too many options and instead of making a decision I end up standing in the middle of the very busy Ikea kitchen section, staring blankly ahead at the wall of doors, texting my husband for advice (you know, because the nine month old with me is useless…but also, how desperate must I be to ask my husband for advice on cabinet finishes?), and debating whether to play it safe or do something a bit more fun. Cabinet identity crisis! (I also realize these aren’t real human problems and I am making this sound very dramatic!)

“Safe” Option: High gloss white slab door

“Fun” Option: High gloss teal slab door

I think it is “safe” to say that it would be more “fun” to wait until the final reveal in two weeks to show you what I ended up purchasing!

Moving on…

I also re-jigged my fabric scheme from my original plan. I had a bench seat cushion already that I planned on using for the built-in bench but the more I look at it, the more I am not liking the pattern on it. I was going to settle to save a bit of time and money, but alas, that is not how I roll. I also have about a million toss cushions in my home, but of course require three more that work perfectly with the overall plan.

I took a run out to Kravettoday to look at some beautiful new fabric options for the bench seat and toss cushions and am so happy with the new line up. Then add the amazing crafts(wo)manship of the folks at Q. Design and my One Room Challenge basement playroom will have all new textile goodies. I am so happy that I finally made a decision just in the nick of time. Here is the new and FINAL overall colour concept. Yippeeee!

Construction wise, we are a little behind schedule and I am keeping my fingers crossed that we make it. (Like how I casually snuck the bad news in at the end? I am happily in denial.)